(Describer) Under a round logo of a wave, title: Ocean Today.
(male narrator)
Algae play a vital role
in the marine ecosystem.
They provide food
for all sorts of species,
but, in rare instances,
they can also do harm.
(Describer) Reddish clouds appear in water.
Harmful algal blooms
occur when colonies
of certain types of algae
grow out of control.
Certain types of algae
produce toxins
that enter the food chain
through fish and shellfish.
Eventually, the toxins
can kill larger marine animals
like sea lions, manatees,
turtles, and dolphins.
It also makes shellfish
unsafe for human consumption.
A bloom does not have to
produce toxins to be harmful.
Blooms can also
deplete oxygen from the water,
block light to organisms
lower in the water,
or even clog
or harm fish gills.
(Describer) A dead fish floats.
The Integrated
Ocean Observing System
helps scientists to track
and predict the spread
of harmful algal blooms.
How does it work?
Satellites above the earth,
buoys on the surface,
and sensors on the ocean floor
are collecting data
on ocean color and currents
around the clock.
If a harmful algal bloom
is identified,
scientists translate this data
into predictions
to estimate
where it is traveling.
Local health officials
use these predictions
to close beaches
or shellfish beds,
to ensure public safety.
(Describer) A sign says "Swimming area closed".
Harmful algal blooms
are estimated
to have impacts
of at least $82 million a year
to the U.S. economy,
(Describer) A wave has reddish sludge in it.
and with climate change
potentially causing
harmful algal blooms
to occur more often,
it's important
we learn more
about how and why
they form and travel
so that we can reduce
their harmful effects.
(Describer) Logos are shown for the Smithsonian and NOAA.
Accessibility provided by the US Department of Education.
Accessibility provided by the
U.S. Department of Education.
